AUF and prosecutors do not wish broadcast of Breivik’s testimony
The Norwegian press filed a request last Decemeber with the Oslo District Court (Tingrett) asking the court to permit photography, video recording and broadcasting of the upcoming trial against Anders Behring Breivik, in order to ensure that the Norwegian public obtains the best possible insight into and control of the court’s handling of this important trial.
Since 1985, the freedom of the Norwegian press to report directly from the courtroom has been restricted, and photography and video recording is only allowed during the main court proceedings if, in the judge’s opinion, particular circumstances warrant it.
Before reaching a decision, the Oslo District Court has asked the parties involved for their views on the matter. On Tuesday, the court made the letters available to the public.
One of Brevik’s lawyers, Tord Jordet, had written that his client supports the request from the Norwegian press and wishes the trial against him to be as open as possible.
The State’s Attorneys and the Labor Youth Organization (AUF), however, disagree with the request of the press; in particular, they wish that Breivik’s testimony not be publically broadcast. Both the State’s Attorneys and the AUF also suggest that the recording of witness testimonies should be limited.
The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) writes that the Oslo District Court has previously indicated that the court will place emphasis on openness in this trial. “The starting point of the court is openess, but in most cases the media pressure is not as large as now. We have to consider using completely new ways of fulfilling the demand of openness,” magistrate Geir Engebretsen previously said to NRK.
Request from Norsk presseforbund (the Norwegian Press Association) and Norsk Redaktørforening (the Norwegian Editor Association) – in Norwegian [opens pdf].
Statement from lawyer Tord Jordet representing Breivik – in Norwegian [opens pdf].
Statement from State’s Attorneys, Inga Bejer Engh and Svein Holden – in Norwegian [opens pdf].
Statement from lawyer Frode Elgesem on behalf of AUF – in Norwegian [opens pdf].
Related article: Do not want Breivik-testimony on TV (Ønsker ikke Breivik-forklaring på TV)
Related article: Survivors want silence in Breivik case (Etterlatte vil ha taushet i Breivik-saken)
